343.Following letter has been received from Department of State QUOTE I have the honor to advise you that in the Presidents2 opinion the American Commissioners to forth coming conference to be had at Berne Switzerland3 should be clothed with full power to negotiate draw up and sign subject to Presidents ultimate approval, a reciprocal agreement in regard to maintaining treatment and exchange of prisoners of war and Allied subjects. The Department has accordingly issued credentials conveying such full power to American Commissioners including Captain H.H.Hough4 the representative of Navy Department. Captain Houghs credentials and commission will be delivered to him by Honorable John W. Davis who is about to leave United States to meet the other Commissioners and Assistant Commissioner5 in London England.UNQUOTE.14024. 343.

Benson.

1.14 p.m.August 25 1918.

RETRANSMIT

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date stamp at the end of the cable.